Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken (2023)

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Total 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Serves 4

By: Mariam Ezzeddine|May 15, 2023This post may contain affiliate links, read my disclosure policy for details

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Chinese salt and pepper chicken is an Asian takeout and buffet favorite, but making this Chinese chicken recipe at home is so easy. Crispy salt and pepper chicken is deep fried until golden and crispy, seasoned with garlic and ginger and tossed with crisp-tender onions and bell pepper, all in a single skillet or wok.

Crispy salt and pepper chicken is easy and affordable to make at home. Skip the expensive takeout and pair this Chinese chicken recipe with white rice, fried rice or noodles in the comfort of your own home. This buffet favorite is salty, garlicky and has that umami flavor you love. Chinese salt and pepper chicken is an instant classic that will become a household favorite.

If you love bell peppers, try my Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers, Chili Rubbed Chicken Skewers with Peppers or Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Salt and Pepper Chicken

It’s a classic dish. The flavors in this dish are traditional and delicious, and you can make it as mild or as spicy as you like.
It’s so simple. Simple ingredients. Simple cooking methods. Simply delicious.
It’s restaurant quality. This Chinese chicken recipe will be just as tasty (or better than) your favorite take-out restaurant.

Chinese Chicken Recipe Ingredients

Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Cornstarch: To give the chicken a crispy coating.
Seasoning: Season the chicken with Chinese five spice, salt and ground pepper.
Oil: Use your favorite oil for deep frying.
Onion: Cut a sweet onion into cubes.
Garlic: Finely chop fresh garlic.
Peppers: Cut red bell peppers and green bell peppers into small pieces.
Green Onions: Roughly chopped and add as a garnish.

How To Make Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken

Coat the chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients; add chicken, cornstarch, Chinese five spice, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken well and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Fry the chicken. In a wok, add oil on medium heat. Deep fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy. Drain the excess oil and set it aside. Repeat the same with the remaining chicken pieces.

Saute the vegetables. Heat a large skillet with a tablespoon of oil from the deep-fried chicken. Add onion, ginger, and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes. Add the green and red bell peppers and green onions and saute for 2 more minutes. Transfer the fried chicken pieces back to the skillet and toss them.
Serve. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and serve the salt and pepper chicken over the bed of white rice to enjoy.

Tips To Make Crispy Salt and Pepper Chicken

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Everything cooks quickly, so prep your ingredients in advance.
Don’t skip the Chinese five spice. It works really well in this dish.
Use any type of neutral-flavored oil for frying.
Cut your chicken into even sized pieces for even cooking.
You can bake or air fry the chicken if you prefer.
If you don’t have a wok, use a large skillet.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
Cook chicken to at least 165 degrees F when checked with a digital thermometer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I air fry salt and pepper chicken?

We recommend that you stir-fry the vegetables, but you can easily air fry the chicken. Toss the chicken with the seasoning blend and a small amount of oil to coat. Cook the chicken in a 380 degrees F air fryer for 25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Toss the chicken every 4-5 minutes for even browning.

Is salt and pepper chicken spicy?

Our version of salt and pepper chicken is very mild. If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and substitute some of the bell pepper with jalapeno or serrano peppers.

Can I make this with other chicken cuts?

You can make this dish with almost any chicken cut. You can use chicken breasts, chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken thighs. You can also fry chicken wings to make easy salt and pepper chicken.

How do I store and reheat crispy salt and pepper chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet. The chicken will not be as crispy.

Can I freeze the Chinese chicken recipe?

You can freeze this chicken recipe for up to 3 months, but it will not be as crispy when reheated.

What to serve with Chinese salt and pepper chicken?

Salt and pepper chicken should be served with Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice, Cauliflower Rice, white rice or Vegetarian Lo Mein Noodles.

More Chinese Chicken Recipes

Chinese Sesame Chicken
Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Chinese Lemon Chicken
Chinese Szechuan Chili Chicken
Honey Walnut Chicken

I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this delicious crispy salt and pepper chicken recipe. I hope you try it, enjoy it, rate it, and share it with your friends and family!

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